Same-sex wedding goes off without a hitch on Rose Parade float

Rev. Alfreda Lanoix applauds as Danny Leclair and Aubrey Loots (l-r) kiss atop the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float during the 2014 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA January 1, 2014. The couple was married during a same sex marriage on a cake-shaped float in the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade.2014 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA January 1, 2014.(Keith Durflinger/San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

PASADENA>> Despite calls to boycott the Rose Parade, two Los Angeles’ men’s wedding on New Year’s Day morning atop a cake covered in flowers was flawless.

“It was magical in every possible way,” Danny Leclair, 45, said Thursday, of his marriage to long-time partner Aubrey Loots, 42.

It was the first gay wedding to take place during the Rose Parade in the parade’s 125-year history. This parade was first one where gay marriage is recognized in California.

Leclair and Loots, dressed in dark suits, were wed by Rev. Alfreda “Freda” Lanoix. The men threw white petals after they said “I do” and white doves were released into the sky.

Social media erupted when news came that a live gay wedding would take place during Rose Parade on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float, themed “Love is the Best Protection.”

A San Diego woman, Karen Grube, started a Facebook page, “Boycott the 2014 Rose Parade,” which now has nearly 9,000 “likes” and has hundreds of comments. A pro-family Sacramento-based non-profit called “Save California” also called for a boycott.

The Tournament of Roses’ Facebook page has been inundated with commenters both supporting and opposing the same-sex wedding. Many commenters said they did not watch the parade this year because of Loots and Leclair’s wedding.

Leclair said although he does not know the intent of the networks in cutting away from the wedding, it was disappointing, especially if floats coming after the AHF float, like the Women Airforce Service Pilots, weren’t covered.

Leclair said about 75 percent of the spectators cheered the couple as the float came down Colorado Boulevard. He guessed about 15 percent remained silent and 10 percent either booed them, made obscene gestures or turned their backs on the couple.

“People were screaming like we were rockstars,” he said. Some held signs of support.

He said he saw a woman bawling and yelling out how much she loved them.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein said he was grateful for the support from the TofR.